Calgary Zoo Investigates Tragic Death of 2-Year-Old Gorilla Due to Human Error

Eyare, a young western lowland gorilla, died after being struck by a hydraulic door mistakenly activated by a zookeeper, prompting safety reforms.

Eyare, a 2-year-old western lowland gorilla at the Calgary Zoo, died from traumatic head injuries caused by a hydraulic door accident on November 12, 2024.
The incident occurred when a zookeeper mistakenly activated the wrong door while attempting to separate Eyare from other gorillas for a training session.
The zookeeper involved was immediately removed from animal care duties and will undergo additional training before returning to work with animals.
The Calgary Zoo has announced a series of preventative measures, including enhanced staff training, improved door safety mechanisms, and a review of hydraulic door designs.
The zoo has faced scrutiny for past animal deaths, with activists urging stronger safety protocols and reconsideration of hydraulic door systems.